Any individual who wants the best result from their workouts uses supplements. The two most common types are pre-workout supplements and post-workout supplements. These are two different supplements that serve distinct purposes. It does not matter if you are a newbie to the gym scene or a pro athlete anyone can use these supplements. While the only similarity is that they are nutrients consumed with liquids the list of differences is quite long.
A question that arises is what is the difference between pre and post-workout supplements. On top of that which one is more suited for you? In this blog, we will be looking into the differences between pre and post-workouts. Finally, we will conclude with which one is more viable for you. Before that, you need to know what pre and post-workouts are.
What Are Pre-Workout Supplements
Have you ever felt highly demotivated before a workout? Low energy levels, not feeling like working out. These are all common issues and pre-workouts are made to battle them. As the name suggests pre-workouts are consumed before your workout depending upon the intensity of the supplement. Their sole purpose is to give you an energy boost to work out effectively. They target your physical and mental capacity to give you that extra motivation. It boosts your stamina and increases your focus to ensure your workout effortlessly.
Pre-workouts mostly consist of caffeine, creatine, and BCAAs. All of these heighten your brain powers and make you more vigilant. Thus making it a great ingredient for pre-workouts. Some people prefer using creatine product gummies in USA as pre-workouts as well. These act as a great alternative for those who do not have time to make shakes and are always in a hurry.
What Are Post-Workout Supplements
As the name suggests post workouts are supposed to be consumed after you have completed your workout. Anywhere between half an hour after your workout, these supplements are recommended. Post-workout supplements focus on recovery and replenishment of the nutrients that are excreted or burned during your workout. Post-workout supplements are great for muscle growth as they provide enough protein to enhance your muscles.
The concept of anabolic windows also plays a vital role in post-workouts. This is the 30 minutes after your workout where you eat as much protein for good muscle growth. Post-workouts mainly consist of proteins and carbohydrates. Whey protein and casein are well known for protein intake. When working out you sweat and burn calories. During this process, a lot of nutrients and vitamins are lost, and recovering them is crucial. For that purpose, post workouts are made and they do the job perfectly.
Pre-workout vs Post-workout
Now that we know these are both two different types of supplements and are to be consumed at separate times. Why is this so? What are the differences between these supplement types? Although they are both powders and consumed with liquids in the form of shakes or just drinks the differences set them apart. Let’s take a closer look at the differences.
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Nutrient Profile
Pre and post-workout supplements have different nutrient profiles. As mentioned earlier pre-workouts are consumed for that extra energy. And for that intent, they are extremely low on calories. On the other hand with post-workouts, it is the opposite. Since they are there for muscle growth higher calories act better. In general, pre-workouts have lower nutrient counts compared to post-workouts. They contain more of the energy boosters rather than nutrients. You must keep in mind this is not for all supplements but the majority follow this pattern.
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Price Range
Post-workout supplements are comparatively more costly. This is because the nutrient count is high and more expenses are incurred in their making. Although the price also depends on the quality and quantity of each supplement you consume pre workouts are still a bit cheaper. You can always find muscle bodybuilding supplements in USA for the right price. Just make sure not to compromise on the quality for a lower price. Even if you go for natural pre and post-workout meals the latter turns out to be more expensive.
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Benefits
Pre-workouts as mentioned earlier increase your clarity and make you more focused. They give you an extra push which in turn enhances your productivity. Pre-workouts are great at increasing your strength and power helping you break your PR. They raise your endurance levels by reducing fatigue and muscle exhaustion. They also contribute to your muscle growth making it a complete package.
Post workouts on the contrary are there for recovery and growth. They reduce muscle breakdown which helps keep a nitrogen balance. Its foremost job is to help you gain muscle by fulfilling your nutrient requirements. Post-workouts play a vital role in reducing dehydration. To make up for the extracted sweat post workouts contain water levels that keep you hydrated. These supplements also reduce overall body discomfort and refill glycogen stores.
Do You Need Pre or Post-Workouts?
By no means is it necessary to consume pre and post-workouts. Countless people on their fitness journeys do not use any of these supplements. The alternative to these are pre and post-workout meals. These meals work better than most supplements but why do people consume supplements if that is the case?
The biggest reason for the use of supplements is the convenience. Most individuals do not have free time on their hands to grill meat or make other high-protein meals. To cover for these they tend to use supplements. Another aspect is that with meals you get a bit more than what you need. You might only need proteins but will get other nutrients with meals. To keep it accurate supplements work perfectly.
Conclusion
Pre-workout and post-workout supplements are made for certain purposes and they fulfill them with flying colors. While they are not necessary they surely are effective making them a great add-on for your fitness journey. They help with keeping you motivated and your muscles pumped. So make sure to give these supplements and chance and let the results do the rest.